River Valley Stables

Natural Horse Trekking in New Zealand

Welcome to the River Valley Stables.

Experience the freedom of riding using natural horsemanship techniques encouraging communication between horse and rider. All our horses are ridden bit less and barefoot. No metal in their mouths or on their hooves.

River Valley Stables has something for everyone – from a half day trek, to a multi-day horse riding holiday. We offer adventures for riders of all abilities, from beginner to experienced, and our packages can be tailored to suit you.

Check out our various horse trekking options below to see which trek will suit you best. Alternatively, email our Sales Consultants on [email protected] who can help in matching your abilities and desires with the right adventure.

Horse Trekking Options:

At last a ride for experienced riders! Now you can get out and have some real horse time fun. This is a half day ride that moves along, exploring longer trails, with lots of opportunity to canter your horse. Experienced riders only.

Horsemanship Experiences:

This ride is for all abilities. It’s a good place to start if you’re new to horses. A half day adventure, honing your horsemanship skills followed by a horse ride out into the picturesque country side at River Valley.

Multi-Day Horse Trekking Holidays:

A 2-day adventure with a demanding ride by day, followed by a touch of luxury by night. This ride takes you down into the spectacular Rangitikei river gorge, crossing the river several times before reaching your destination.

NEW – 7 DAY HORSE RIDING HOLIDAY

Everyone takes away something special from their stay at River Valley. See what some of our guests have to say:

“A magical kingdom in the middle of nowhere that encompasses your every being, a place that leaves you feeling in awe of the breathtaking scenery”

It was hard not to feel welcome there, everyone was friendly and it felt like being at home with a big family. Imagine you will, a trip entailing a trail ride ambling through stunning countryside, a quartet of horse treks across gentle and challenging terrain, and a beautiful lodge cocooned in a valley, alongside a raging river, where you feel like you’ve just dropped off the edge of the planet into another world.

So thank you River Valley Stables for making my time there an unforgettable experience.

Maddie – To read Janet’s full experience click here.

“I was quite emotional when I got back to the stables with the sheer joy of the day and not wanting it to end…”

For me, it was a fulfillment of a childhood dream to be able to ride over country like that, with the added bonus of great company. The photos have come out really well and I will email them on when we get them loaded onto the computer. Give my love to Bling.

No doubt you are very busy now. I have already recommended a number of people to come to you to stay.

Thanks again for everything and giving me one of the best days of my life.

Rosie Barfoot – To read Rosie’s full experience, click here

“We learned how to keep our horses focused on us and to create a connection between us. Within 10 minutes Maggie and I had gone from reluctant partners to a good team!”

The group consisted of my mother, myself and our guide Janey, and we were not stuck behind one another in a set order as they do in other horse treks. We were free to roam as we wished in the vast pastures! I also did my first jump in at least 5 years (which ended hilariously)!

All in all a wonderful and eye-opening experience well worth the time, money and 45 minute drive from the main road!

Mandy Pittman – To find out more about Mandy’s experience click here.

How Natural is "It"? Horsemanship with Russel Higgins Part 5

How Natural is "It"? Horsemanship with Russel Higgins Part 4

How Natural is "It"? Horsemanship with Russel Higgins Part 3

How Natural is "It"? Horsemanship with Russel Higgins Part 2

How Natural is "It"? Horsemanship with Russel Higgins Part 1

A Rising Star's First Hurdles - Working With a Young Horse

How Natural is "It"? Horsemanship with Russel Higgins Part 5

In this, the final part of our interviews with 4 Star Parelli Natural Horse Training Instructor Russell Higgins covers off how we should work with horses, and what courses he will be holding over the next few months, and in which countries.

How Natural is "It"? Horsemanship with Russel Higgins Part 3

This is the third part of our River Valley Stables Interviews with Russell Higgins, a Parelli 4 Star Instructor.
In this interview Russell talks about how horse and riders benefit from the Parelli Natural Horse Training System, and how this system differs from more traditional teaching systems.

How Natural is "It"? Horsemanship with Russel Higgins Part 2

This is the second Interview with Russell Higgins, a 4 Star Parelli Natural Horse Training Instructor. In it Russell outlines what the benefits are to both Horse and Rider under the Parelli System.
These interviews took place at River Valley Stables, Taihape, New Zealand, where Natural Horsemanship techniques are the basis of trekking horse training.

How Natural is "It"? Horsemanship with Russel Higgins Part 1

This is the first in a series of short videos where we interview Russell Higgins, a 4 Start Parelli Instructor. What is the story behind this Natural Horsemanship business, and why would River Valley Stables adopt it?
Does it give both horse and rider a better experience?
Watch the series to find out. More information on River Valley Stables treks can be found at

A Rising Star's First Hurdles - Working With a Young Horse

Calibre, a 12 month old colt born at River Valley Stables in Taihape, New Zealand, is introduced to a rope, halters and leading for the first time.
Didn't he do well?
Calibre is part of the breeding program at River Valley Stables that concentrates on raising horses with good constitution, and suited for a horse trekking environment where he will have a variety of riders, with differing ability levels, riding him.

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Speak to one of our friendly adventure consultants who would love to help you out.